# Shoe and Leather Workers and Repairers

> Construct, decorate, or repair leather and leather-like products, such as luggage, shoes, and saddles. May use hand tools.
- **Entity Type:** role
- **Schema Version:** role.v1
- **Soc Code:** 51-6041.00
- **Summary:** Construct, decorate, or repair leather and leather-like products, such as luggage, shoes, and saddles. May use hand tools.

## Aliases

- Boot Maker
- Cobbler
- Shoe Maker
- Shoe Repairer
- Leather Worker
- Saddle and Harness Maker
- Shoe Cutter
- Shoe Repairman
- Stitcher
- Back Shoe Cutter
- Bench Hand
- Boot Repairer

## Tasks

| Text | Type | Iwa |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Prepare inserts, heel pads, and lifts from casts of customers' feet. | Supplemental | 4.A.3.a.2.aj |
| Dress and otherwise finish boots or shoes, as by trimming the edges of new soles and heels to the shoe shape. | Supplemental | 4.A.3.a.2.l |
| Attach insoles to shoe lasts, affix shoe uppers, and apply heels and outsoles. | Supplemental | 4.A.3.a.2.aj |
| Clean and polish shoes. | Supplemental | 4.A.3.a.1.h |
| Cement, nail, or sew soles and heels to shoes. | Supplemental | 4.A.3.a.2.aj |
| Check the texture, color, and strength of leather to ensure that it is adequate for a particular purpose. | Supplemental | 4.A.2.a.1.e |
| Dye, soak, polish, paint, stamp, stitch, stain, buff, or engrave leather or other materials to obtain desired effects, decorations, or shapes. | Core | 4.A.3.a.2.e |
| Shape shoe heels with a knife, and sand them on a buffing wheel for smoothness. | Supplemental | 4.A.3.a.2.f |
| Place shoes on lasts to remove soles and heels, using knives or pliers. | Supplemental | 4.A.3.a.2.f |
| Repair or replace soles, heels, and other parts of footwear, using sewing, buffing and other shoe repair machines, materials, and equipment. | Supplemental | 4.A.3.a.2.e |
| Cut, insert, position, and secure paddings, cushioning, or linings, using stitches or glue. | Supplemental | 4.A.3.a.2.l |
| Cut out parts, following patterns or outlines, using knives, shears, scissors, or machine presses. | Core | 4.A.3.a.2.l |

## Emerging Tasks


## Activities

| Name | Iwa |
| --- | --- |
| Cut fabrics. | 4.A.3.a.2.l |
| Attach decorative or functional accessories to products. | 4.A.3.a.2.ab |
| Sew clothing or other articles. | 4.A.3.a.2.e |
| Align parts or workpieces to ensure proper assembly. | 4.A.3.a.2.ao |
| Prepare fabrics or materials for processing or production. | 4.A.3.a.2.m |
| Select production input materials. | 4.A.2.b.1.j |
| Draw guide lines or markings on materials or workpieces using patterns or other references. | 4.A.3.a.2.ao |
| Trim excess material from workpieces. | 4.A.3.a.2.l |
| Estimate costs of products, services, or materials. | 4.A.2.b.1.a |
| Assemble garments or textile products. | 4.A.3.a.2.aj |
| Adjust fabrics or other materials during garment production. | 4.A.3.a.2.f |
| Repair textiles or apparel. | 4.A.3.a.2.e |
| Operate sewing equipment. | 4.A.3.a.2.e |
| Construct customized assistive medical or dental devices. | 4.A.3.a.2.q |
| Mount materials or workpieces onto production equipment. | 4.A.3.a.2.f |
| Apply water or solutions to fabrics or apparel. | 4.A.3.a.1.h |
| Polish materials, workpieces, or finished products. | 4.A.3.a.2.o |
| Evaluate quality of materials or products. | 4.A.2.a.1.e |
| Read work orders or other instructions to determine product specifications or materials requirements. | 4.A.1.a.1.b |
| Measure clients to ensure proper product fit. | 4.A.1.b.3.e |
| Inspect garments for defects, damage, or stains. | 4.A.1.b.2.j |
| Drill holes in parts, equipment, or materials. | 4.A.3.a.2.ad |
| Design templates or patterns. | 4.A.2.b.2.k |
| Position patterns on equipment, materials, or workpieces. | 4.A.3.a.2.v |

## Capabilities

| Name | Family | Value |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Near Vision | ability | 3.5 |
| Arm-Hand Steadiness | ability | 3.25 |
| Finger Dexterity | ability | 3.25 |
| Production and Processing | knowledge | 3.23 |
| Problem Sensitivity | ability | 3.12 |
| Active Listening | essential_skill | 3 |
| Speaking | essential_skill | 3 |
| Critical Thinking | essential_skill | 3 |
| Monitoring | essential_skill | 3 |
| Oral Comprehension | ability | 3 |
| Deductive Reasoning | ability | 3 |
| Inductive Reasoning | ability | 3 |
| Information Ordering | ability | 3 |
| Category Flexibility | ability | 3 |
| Visualization | ability | 3 |
| Selective Attention | ability | 3 |
| Manual Dexterity | ability | 3 |
| Control Precision | ability | 3 |
| Speech Recognition | ability | 3 |
| Speech Clarity | ability | 3 |
| Customer and Personal Service | knowledge | 2.98 |
| Mechanical | knowledge | 2.9 |
| Reading Comprehension | essential_skill | 2.88 |
| Social Perceptiveness | transferable_skill | 2.88 |
| Coordination | transferable_skill | 2.88 |
| Service Orientation | transferable_skill | 2.88 |
| Operations Monitoring | transferable_skill | 2.88 |
| Judgment and Decision Making | transferable_skill | 2.88 |
| Oral Expression | ability | 2.88 |
| Multilimb Coordination | ability | 2.88 |
| Time Management | transferable_skill | 2.75 |
| Written Comprehension | ability | 2.75 |
| Reaction Time | ability | 2.75 |
| Far Vision | ability | 2.75 |
| Visual Color Discrimination | ability | 2.75 |
| Trunk Strength | ability | 2.62 |
| Sales and Marketing | knowledge | 2.58 |
| Quality Control Analysis | transferable_skill | 2.5 |
| Administration and Management | knowledge | 2.4 |
| Active Learning | essential_skill | 2.38 |

## Skills

| Name | Type |
| --- | --- |
| Finger Dexterity | Common Skill |
| Visualization | Specialized Skill |
| Speech Recognition | Specialized Skill |
| Microsoft Excel | Common Skill |
| Information Ordering | Specialized Skill |
| Inductive Reasoning | Common Skill |
| Deductive Reasoning | Common Skill |
| Critical Thinking | Common Skill |
| Active Listening | Common Skill |
| Social Perceptiveness | Common Skill |
| Reading Comprehension | Common Skill |
| Time Management | Common Skill |
| Complex Problem Solving | Common Skill |
| Active Learning | Common Skill |
| Instructing | Specialized Skill |
| Writing | Common Skill |
| Depth Perception | Common Skill |
| Negotiation | Common Skill |
| Equipment Selection | Specialized Skill |
| Systems Analysis | Specialized Skill |
| Mathematics | Common Skill |
| English Language | Common Skill |
| Chemistry | Specialized Skill |
| Psychology | Specialized Skill |
| Learning Strategies | Specialized Skill |
| Equipment Maintenance | Specialized Skill |
| Telecommunications | Specialized Skill |
| Physics | Specialized Skill |
| Biology | Specialized Skill |
| Geography | Specialized Skill |
| Foreign Language | Common Skill |
| Installation | Specialized Skill |
| Accounting Software | Specialized Skill |

## Tools

| Example | Category | Hot | In Demand |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Microsoft Excel | Spreadsheet software | yes | no |
| Bookkeeping software | Accounting software | no | no |
| Financial accounting software | Accounting software | no | no |
| Inventory tracking software | Inventory management software | no | no |
| Sale processing software | Point of sale POS software | no | no |

## Work Context

| Name | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls | 5 |
| Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams | 4.72 |
| Exposed to Contaminants | 4.46 |
| Exposed to Hazardous Equipment | 4.4 |
| Freedom to Make Decisions | 4.33 |
| Indoors, Environmentally Controlled | 4.32 |
| Spend Time Standing | 4.3 |
| Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions | 4.29 |
| Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals | 4.29 |
| Contact With Others | 4.25 |
| Importance of Being Exact or Accurate | 4.19 |
| Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable | 4.08 |
| Time Pressure | 4.03 |
| Telephone Conversations | 3.92 |
| Frequency of Decision Making | 3.56 |
| Deal With External Customers or the Public in General | 3.51 |
| Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results | 3.35 |
| Spend Time Walking or Running | 3.13 |
| Level of Competition | 3.04 |
| Physical Proximity | 2.96 |
| Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment | 2.82 |
| Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People | 2.75 |
| Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings | 2.7 |
| Consequence of Error | 2.67 |
| Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers | 2.58 |
| Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body | 2.54 |
| Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team | 2.51 |
| Health and Safety of Other Workers | 2.46 |
| Importance of Repeating Same Tasks | 2.39 |
| Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities | 2.25 |
| E-Mail | 2.21 |
| Conflict Situations | 2.21 |
| Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets | 2.17 |
| Spend Time Sitting | 2.05 |
| Degree of Automation | 2.01 |
| Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions | 1.83 |
| Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled | 1.77 |
| Written Letters and Memos | 1.61 |
| Exposed to Hazardous Conditions | 1.58 |
| Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection | 1.49 |

## Preparation

- **Job Zone:** 2
- **Job Zone Name:** Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed
- **Education:** Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
- **Experience:** Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
- **Svp Range:** (Below 6.0)

### Education Distribution

| Label | Percentage |
| --- | --- |
| High School Diploma | 56.39 |
| Less than a High School Diploma | 43.61 |

## Person Fit

| Name | Family | Value |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Realistic | career_interest_type | 6.94 |
| Physical/Manual Labor | specific_interest_area | 3.42 |
| Conventional | career_interest_type | 3.19 |
| Visual Arts | specific_interest_area | 3.15 |
| Artistic | career_interest_type | 3.13 |
| Applied Arts and Design | specific_interest_area | 3.06 |
| Construction/Woodwork | specific_interest_area | 2.64 |
| Attention to Detail | work_style | 2.32 |
| Dependability | work_style | 1.98 |
| Investigative | career_interest_type | 1.63 |
| Enterprising | career_interest_type | 1.53 |
| Mechanics/Electronics | specific_interest_area | 1.53 |
| Cautiousness | work_style | 1.47 |
| Social | career_interest_type | 1.32 |
| Personal Service | specific_interest_area | 1.31 |
| Engineering | specific_interest_area | 1.29 |

## Related Roles

| Soc Code | Slug | Title | Tier |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 51-6042.00 | role-51-6042-00 | Shoe Machine Operators and Tenders | Primary-Short |
| 51-6051.00 | role-51-6051-00 | Sewers, Hand | Primary-Short |
| 51-6031.00 | role-51-6031-00 | Sewing Machine Operators | Primary-Short |
| 51-9195.00 | role-51-9195-00 | Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic | Primary-Short |
| 51-6093.00 | role-51-6093-00 | Upholsterers | Primary-Short |
| 51-9022.00 | role-51-9022-00 | Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand | Primary-Long |
| 51-6052.00 | role-51-6052-00 | Tailors, Dressmakers, and Custom Sewers | Primary-Long |
| 51-7021.00 | role-51-7021-00 | Furniture Finishers | Primary-Long |
| 51-9071.00 | role-51-9071-00 | Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers | Primary-Long |
| 51-9031.00 | role-51-9031-00 | Cutters and Trimmers, Hand | Primary-Long |
| 51-6021.00 | role-51-6021-00 | Pressers, Textile, Garment, and Related Materials | Supplemental |
| 51-9123.00 | role-51-9123-00 | Painting, Coating, and Decorating Workers | Supplemental |

## Career Clusters

| Cluster | Slug |
| --- | --- |
| Advanced Manufacturing | advanced-manufacturing |

## Education Level

- **Category:** High school diploma or equivalent

## Study Programs

| Title | Slug |
| --- | --- |
| Precision Production | precision-production |

## Market

- **Median Wage:** 35950
- **Mean Wage:** 36280
- **Pct10Wage:** 25170
- **Pct25Wage:** 29400
- **Pct75Wage:** 41400
- **Pct90Wage:** 48090
- **Employment:** 7640
- **Area Title:** U.S.

## Industries


### Top

| Naics | Slug | Title | Level | Employment | Median Wage | Lq |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 31-33 | 31-33 | Manufacturing | Sector | 5870 | 35040 | 9.28 |
| 81 | 81 | Other Services (except Public Administration) | Sector | 690 | 39580 | 3.15 |
| 44-45 | 44-45 | Retail Trade | Sector | 570 | 39310 | 0.74 |
| 42 | 42 | Wholesale Trade | Sector | 460 | 38990 | 1.54 |
| 459110 | 459110 | Sporting Goods Retailers | National industry | 150 | 40830 | 10.17 |
| 56 | 56 | Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services | Sector |  | 28420 |  |
| 561320 | 561320 | Temporary Help Services | National industry |  | 28420 |  |

### Concentrated

| Naics | Slug | Title | Level | Employment | Lq |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 459110 | 459110 | Sporting Goods Retailers | National industry | 150 | 10.17 |
| 31-33 | 31-33 | Manufacturing | Sector | 5870 | 9.28 |
| 81 | 81 | Other Services (except Public Administration) | Sector | 690 | 3.15 |
| 42 | 42 | Wholesale Trade | Sector | 460 | 1.54 |
| 44-45 | 44-45 | Retail Trade | Sector | 570 | 0.74 |
- **Count:** 7

## Ai Signals

| Source | Label | Score | Scale | Release |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| frey_osborne | Computerization probability | 0.52 | 0-1 probability | 2013-baseline-2016-employment-snapshot |
| felten_aioe | AI occupational exposure | -0.990912 | relative exposure score | 2021-plus-generative-ai-workbooks |
| felten_image_generation_aioe | Image generation occupational exposure | -0.9580657 | relative exposure score | 2021-plus-generative-ai-workbooks |
| felten_language_modeling_aioe | Language modeling occupational exposure | -1.006982 | relative exposure score | 2021-plus-generative-ai-workbooks |

## Ai Outlook


### Index

- **Value:** 14
- **Percentile:** 10
- **Band:** Low
- **Version:** ai-exposure-index-v1

#### Components

| Percentile | Source |
| --- | --- |
| 18 | felten_aioe |
| 16 | openai_gpts_are_gpts |
| 9 | microsoft_working_with_ai |
- **Component Count:** 3

### Exposure

| Source | Label | Value | Percentile | Band | Note |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| felten_aioe | Overall AI exposure (Felten et al.) | -0.990912 | 18 | Low | How much this job's abilities overlap with what AI systems can do, across many AI capabilities. A relative research score, not a forecast of job loss. |
| eloundou_gamma | LLM task exposure, γ (OpenAI / Eloundou) | 0.11764705882352941 | 16 | Low | Share of this job's tasks where a large language model plus simple tools could cut the time to do them by at least half. γ is capped at 1.0 and many jobs reach that ceiling, so treat a top score as 'in the top group', not a precise rank. |
| microsoft_applicability | AI assistant applicability (Microsoft) | 0.04687526626994123 | 9 | Low | How applicable today's AI assistants are to this job's activities, measured from real Microsoft Copilot conversations. Applicability is not the same as replacement. |

### Frey Historical

- **Source:** frey
- **Label:** Computerization probability (Frey & Osborne, 2013)
- **Value:** 0.52
- **Percentile:** 47
- **Band:** Moderate
- **Note:** A pre-LLM (2013) estimate of how automatable this job is by computerization and robotics. Shown for historical context only — it is not part of any current AI ranking.
- **Teleworkable:** no

### Eloundou

- **Alpha:** 0
- **Beta:** 0.058823529411764705
- **Gamma:** 0.11764705882352941

### Usage Tasks


### Bls

- **Growth Percent:** -3.8
- **Growth Percentile:** 14
- **Direction:** Declining
- **Annual Openings Thousands:** 0.9
- **Annual Openings Percentile:** 14
- **Employment2024Thousands:** 9.5
- **Employment2034Thousands:** 9.1

### Sources

| Source | Version |
| --- | --- |
| bls_employment_projections | 2024-2034 |
| dingel_neiman | dingel-neiman-workathome |
| felten_aioe | felten-raj-seamans-aioe |
| frey_osborne | frey-osborne-automation |
| microsoft_working_with_ai | working-with-ai |
| openai_gpts_are_gpts | gpts-are-gpts |

## Counts

- **Tasks:** 26
- **Skills:** 33
- **Capabilities:** 120
- **Tools:** 5
- **Related Roles:** 20

## Source

- **Dataset:** gold.onet_role_starter_surface
- **Version:** 30.3
- **Generated At:** 2026-06-02T21:00:32.945303+00:00
- **Content Hash:** 56fba5b784b6c316